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MPD SEEKS CIGARETTE BURGLAR

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - 6:52am

East District Crime Alert

In the past few weeks, there have been several smash-and-grab style burglaries in the Madison Police Department's East District. These appear to be part of a national trend where cigarettes are the targets of thieves. In the five Madison cases, more than one hundred cartons of cigarettes have been stolen. Each is worth approximately $75 dollars. Detectives believe these crimes are linked. In each case, a rock - or other object - has been used to shatter exterior glass doors. The perpetrator is described as a young black male, with a medium build. He is often wearing a black hooded sweatshirt. He also dons gloves, and covers his face with either a mask or scarf. In the most recent case, the criminal was seen fleeing on a bicycle, which was recovered by officers.

These are the cigarette burglaries currently under investigation:

1. August 20, 2009: Walgreen's Drug Store, 2909 E. Washington Avenue. The MPD was notified by dispatch at 2:33 a.m.; first officer was on the scene one minute later.
2. September 3, 2009: Walgreen's Drug Store, 4518 Cottage Grove Road. The MPD was notified by dispatch at 1:55 a.m.; first officer was on the scene two minutes later.
3. September 3, 2009: D B's Service Center, 902 Atlas Avenue. The MPD was notified by dispatch at 3:33 a.m.; first officer was on scene two minutes later.
4. September 14, 2009: Walgreen's Drug Store, 108 Cottage Grove Road. The MPD was notified by dispatch at 2:17 a.m.; first officer was on scene one minute later.
5. September 14, 2009: D B's Service Center, 902 Atlas Avenue. The MPD was notified by dispatch at 3:41 a.m.; first officer was on scene two minutes later.

Anyone with information on these crimes is urged to call Madison Area Crime Stoppers at 608-266-6014. Callers can remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.